Mental Wellbeing
We are working to keep the rugby community healthy by promoting healthy discussion around mental wellbeing and signposting those who need it to expert advice.
It is estimated that one in four people will experience a mental health illness each year in the UK. For these people, the pressures and strains of life and work can act as a catalyst to mental health problems, with the most common being depression and anxiety.
The links between good physical health and mental health are well recognised. Physical activity such as playing rugby can be very beneficial for mental health and wellbeing as well as bringing physical benefits.
Mental Wellbeing Club and Community Game Guidance
This resource has been created to support the rugby community because we know that clubs are often places that people join to feel welcomed, engaged, safe and supported.
It gives evidenced based, practical and relevant guidance for everyone and has been prepared and researched by The Mental Health Foundation. Better mental health can lead to better performance levels because issues are tackled earlier. It can also lead to welcoming spaces for all and to be able to serve the needs of their communities.
Rugby clubs are where people feel they belong and can enjoy the links between good physical and mental health. The purpose of this guidance is to support and feed into the amazing local initiatives which are vital to the game and which support the rugby family.
Download Mental Wellbeing - Keeping the Rugby Community Healthy
Mental Wellbeing Posters
These posters have been created to allow clubs to promote and increase awareness of important mental wellbeing messages and the support available.
There are five different downloadable Mental Wellbeing posters available:
- Spotting the signs
- Having a conversation
- Creating a kinder culture
- Where can you get help?
- What are we talking about?
Download Where Can You Get Help
Download What Are We Talking About
LooseHeadz
LooseHeadz are the leading rugby mental health charity with a mission to place a mental health lead (a ‘LooseHead’) at every rugby club in the world.
Their aim is to start the conversation that inspires a global movement towards better mental wellbeing. They believe that by building a community, united around a shared mission, we can begin to turn the tide against poor mental health.
Their goal is to prevent, promote, educate, and signpost around mental health by providing a toolkit of Mental Health resources, completely free of charge.
Join the movement, get your club signed up to the LooseHeadz Partnership Programme and together, we can #TackleTheStigma.
Visit LooseHeadz
Download LooseHeadz Mental Fitness Toolkit
Mental Health Training
CBs, clubs, schools, colleges, and universities may want to arrange mental health training for coaches, staff, volunteers, players etc.
There are a number of reputable organisations and charities offering mental health awareness training. There are online and face to face options that can vary greatly in terms of time and cost.
When organising face to face training, always check that the trainer delivering the course is appropriately qualified and that the content is relevant for the attendees.
Online Training
The Looseheadz Introduction to Mental Health is a free online resource which aims to provide a greater understanding of mental health, as well as an overview of how to spot common signs of mental health disorders in others. The Looseheadz Introduction to Mental Health resource was developed in collaboration with the Mental Health Foundation.
Face to Face Training
When organising face to face courses, always check that the trainer delivering the course is appropriately qualified and that the content is relevant for the attendees. There are numerous face to face training options available including:
- MIND runs a face to face Mental Health Awareness for Sport and Physical Activity course
- StreetGames is a charity that runs a Youth Mental Health First Aid course aimed at coaches, staff and other volunteers working with young people
Constituent Body Projects
There are several local mental health initiatives and projects being run by Constituent Bodies (CBs) and local organisations. Find out what is happening in your area.
These are some great examples of how rugby clubs are making a difference in mental health through different initiatives to create kinder cultures and support positive mental wellbeing in clubs.
Further support for Mental Health
The NHS provides general information on Mental Health and services that are available.
NHS 111
24-hour advice on urgent medical concerns from a trained advisor that can help you connect to a nurse or GP.
T: 111
They are available for anyone who needs them. They provide a confidential, non-judgemental and safe environment for people to talk about concerns and issues they are having.
T: 116 123 (Free 24-hour number)
E: jo@samaritans.org
Childline
Especially for children. A free, private and confidential service where children can talk about anything, whatever their worry, whenever it is needed.
T: 0800 1111 (Free 24-hour number)
